Louise Instructor reformer Pilates Wirral
What is Pilates?
Named after its originator Joseph Pilates, the method is a series of exercises designed to strengthen the whole body, restore joint function and improve posture, with a particular emphasis on spinal health. The exercises were to be performed on both a mat and specialist equipment designed and patented by Joseph Pilates himself.
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And What Will It Do For Me?
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You'll stand taller. Once you learn how to be in alignment you'll hold yourself in better posture in daily life, giving you the appearance of a longer silhouette.
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Your stomach will be flatter. When the abdominal muscles are trained correctly (hint: not with repetitive sit-ups) they work with the spinal muscles to great a 'corset' effect around the trunk, creating a narrower waist and a more streamlined appearance.
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Your joints will have more ease. During each session we gently move the joints through full a range (if appropriate) to restore and maintain mobility. Motion is lotion!
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You'll have a stronger back. Pilates trains the trunk muscles to work in symmetry with each other, restoring strength and function to create pain-free movement.
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Enhanced performance in other sports. When muscles have the appropriate length, tension and elasticity they are less likely to be injured and more likely to perform better overall. So Pilates is the perfect compliment to all sports.
Catherine, Wirral
I have to tell you, Louise, I stood today for over an hour selling entrance tickets to my son's football game and usually I would have to sit down. I stood and didn't have one back twinge. No pain at all! I am so thankful!
Core Strength...
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The phrase 'core strength' is used a lot nowadays, often implying that it relates solely to the abdominal muscles. In reality the core muscles are a 'team' of muscles, comprising the abdominals, spinal muscles and buttocks (basically everything that wraps around the pelvis and spine). When working in harmony they support a healthy spine and pain-free movement. However, poor posture, injury or repetitive sports can disrupt the balance between these muscles, resulting in pain and dysfunction. So 'weak core muscles' can be better-described as an imbalance within the core muscles. Pilates works to redress imbalances and to restore healthy, vibrant movement.
Why Equipment?
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Mat Pilates can be difficult for some participants as there is no external support or resistance. Much of the work is performed lying on the floor, which can be prohibitive for people with movement restrictions and not always functional for daily activities or sports. The equipment allows the body to be challenged in multiple ways: lying; seated; kneeling, standing, even jumping! So it's great training for all kinds of sports as well as for improved function in daily life.
In fact Joseph Pilates invented the equipment to help people do their Mat work better!
Why The Reformer?
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Pilates' best-kept secret - for phenomenal results the Reformer works. And fast!
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The Reformer is a sliding bed controlled by springs which can be adjusted to provide either challenge or support, making it suitable for both novice and advanced users. The resistance gives the body something to push and pull against, improving muscular strength and tone whilst facilitating a deep connection to the abdominal muscles.
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Our small-group Reformer classes are capped at a maximum of 8 participants to ensure first-class teaching supervision and attention to detail.
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And The Other Equipment?
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When you visit our studio you'll see a few other strange-looking machines in addition to the Reformers. These include the Chair, the Trapeze Table and the Ladder Barrel. Private Sessions include work on ALL the apparatus - more fun to experience!